Hey, guys! Should I be worried if my ACT score isn't super high? I'm a bit stressed about it and wondering what's the generally acceptable 'pass' score for most colleges. What score do you think is sufficient to keep me competitive?
The acceptable ACT score really depends on the colleges to which you're planning to apply, as various colleges have differing expectations. That being said, a composite score of 21 is typically considered the national average and falls right in the middle of the scoring range for all ACT exam-takers.
On the high end and for highly selective colleges, you would generally see students aiming for scores in the 30-36 range to stay competitive. On the other hand, for less selective or regional colleges, a score in the mid or upper 20s would likely be considered competitive.
For instance, highly selective schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford typically have an average admitted student ACT score closer to 35, whereas a school such as University of Iowa, for example, reports an average ACT score of around 25 for their admitted students. So, the satisfactory 'pass' score can be very relative based on your college list.
Remember, it’s also okay not to have a perfect or near-perfect score. While testing is a factor in college admissions, it’s just one piece of your overall application. Your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters also play a significant role.
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